The Withered Shoals in Mortal Shell 2 presents a significant challenge, culminating in a demanding boss encounter. This guide details the path through the dungeon, covering item locations, enemy encounters, and strategies to overcome the Hexapod.

Entering the Withered Shoals

Begin by traveling to the Gate of Mammon and cleansing it to open the corrupted gate. Descend via elevator into the Burrowkin Dwelling. Navigate through the initial corridors, dealing with Shield Brigands and Wretches. A right-hand path leads to a dead end, requiring a lever to progress. Instead, take the left path to defeat a Tarblighted Miner. Descend further, dispatching Wretches and Miners, and then a Headsman. At the bottom, destroy crates to find a Bone Statue containing a Laterite. Loot a Ventrium and the Central Shaft Lever from a cart opposite the hut. While the lever can be used later as a shortcut, it doesn't need to be immediately affixed.

The Infested Miner Boss Fight

Proceed forward from the hut to face the Infested Miner. The arena is populated with Lithopods, which should be dealt with first. The Infested Miner's primary attack involves dropping rocks from the ceiling; dodging to the side is crucial. The boss has low health but can unleash devastating combos. Careful parrying and patient attacks are key to victory. Upon defeat, the Infested Miner yields a Glimpse, Ventrium, Laterite, Dorsalite, and the Wretchcaller's Stone.

Navigating the Shoals

After defeating the Infested Miner, cleanse the corruption in the room to obtain 3x Ova and a Glimpse. The opened gateway leads into the Withered Shoals proper. Progress through the corridor, defeating a Leechtongue, and descend the steps. Collect a Burnt Effigy and Common Moonshine. Destroy crates to find a 650x Coin Pouch, and note the lore information about the upcoming boss. Continue down the steps, gathering another Common Moonshine and defeating Tarred Corpses. Loot a Coin of Mammon from a statue and a hidden Ventrium beneath a ramp.

The Strange Grisha Encounter

In the Withered Shoals, defeat Bell Snails and a Gloom Tentacle. In a clearing, eliminate Grisha Hunters and Leechtongues. Loot a Laterite from a Bone Statue in the center. A Bone Gate to the right leads to an optional arena where the Strange Grisha resides. This variant of the Grisha inflicts the Stasis status effect. With prior Grisha experience, this fight should be manageable. Defeating it rewards a Grisha Remnant and a Strange Remnant (a Tarstone usable with a specific Sidearm). A Dorsalite can be found at the arena's end.

Reaching the Ossinite Falls Beacon

Loot another Dorsalite behind a large skull. Proceed up a slope, defeating a Roaming Head and an Infested Stalker. In a larger area, clear two Roaming Heads by a lake and loot a Dorsalite. Continue clockwise, fighting more Roaming Heads and Infested Stalkers. Loot a Laterite from a Bone Statue within a skeleton alcove. Descend a path to find the Ossinite Falls Beacon in front of a waterfall.

Cleansing the Broodshell Nest

Rest at the Ossinite Falls Beacon and enter it to find the Broodshell Nest. This area contains three Broodshell Snails, two Leechtongues, and a Bell Snail. Defeat them systematically before cleansing the corruption to acquire Ovum and Glimpse.

Activating the Nameless Pass Beacon

Pass through the waterfall behind the Beacon to find a Sheep for a Sheephead Totem and a chest containing the Torpor Stone. Return and ascend a rocky slope to the right of the Beacon. At a T-junction, turn left to find three Ventrium. Return and take the right path. Defeat Leechtongues and later an Infested Stalker and Roaming Head. Take the left path, squeeze through a gap, and defeat three Broodshell Snails to find a Laterite in a Bone Statue. Climb a slope to a clifftop with an Infested Stalker and two Dorsalites. Drop to a lower ledge, defeat two Roaming Heads, and loot a Ventrium from a statue. Descend to the ground floor, defeat two Roaming Heads, and then two Bell Snails in a clearing containing Rootbound Lurks, a Gloom Tentacle, and a Laterite. Continue, defeating more Stalkers. At a junction, head left for a Dorsalite. Navigate past rocks and bones, take the first left for another Dorsalite. Cross the clearing to defeat a Bell Snail, then two more. Before reaching the next Beacon, loot three Laterite from within a skeleton. Activate the Nameless Pass Beacon.

Cleansing the Odious Crevice

Rest at the Nameless Pass Beacon and enter the Odious Crevice. Loot a Dorsalite from a throne. Proceed to defeat an Infested Stalker, another Infested Stalker, and a Gloom Seeker. Enter a dark hole and follow the tunnel, defeating Mycellian Sculks. In a side passage, find a chest with the Charged Stone. Continue to the corruption at the end of the path, find a hidden Laterite behind it, and cleanse the corruption to obtain an Ovum and Glimpse.

The Hexapod Boss Battle

Next to the Beacon, summon Proxima for the main boss fight against the Hexapod. Follow the path to a ledge overlooking the arena. When ready, drop down to face the Hexapod.

Hexapod Phase One Strategy

Bait the Hexapod's attacks and dodge to the right. Avoid attacking as it approaches. After dodging, seize the opportunity to strike. For its unblockable strike combo, chain two dodges. Using a fast weapon like the Axe and Dagger can improve dodge and parry consistency.

Hexapod Phase Two Strategy

At low health, the Hexapod enters its second phase. It can hurl itself backward and launch homing bolts of darkness; unlock the camera to track both the boss and projectiles for easier dodging. It can also submerge and launch a fast, three-stage attack. Bait this attack and dodge repeatedly to the side.

Upon defeating the Hexapod, you will receive the Hexapod Core Tarstone and Gloom. A Beacon will rise in the arena.

Completing the Withered Shoals

Before using the new Beacon, find a Dorsalite behind it near a set of bones. Activate the Hexapod's Burrow Beacon and rest. Enter the Beacon to cleanse the corruption, collect 26x Ova, and return them to the Marrow Keep. This concludes the fourth legacy dungeon and the first within the land of Mammon. The next area to explore is to the south, leading to Castigator's Keep.